This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 19. Diwali is an official Indian holiday that is also celebrated in Guyana, Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries. Diwali is a time to bring people together and remember an important event of the past. The overall idea of Diwali is of light overcoming the darkness. Those who follow the religions of Sikhism, Hinduism, and Jainism celebrate Diwali.

The word Diwali means “series of lights,” as it is the Hindu festival of light. The festivities and celebrations pan over five days. The five days of Diwali include Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Padwa and Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Duj. These five varied philosophies each hold special thoughts and ideals. The five days are celebrated with the true understanding of uplifting and enriching others’ lives.

For Sikhs, Diwali marks the Bandi Chhor Divas.

“This commemorates the release of Sikhism’s 6th guru and 52 Hindu princes from the prison in the Mughal Empire. When the guru returned, there was festivities,” Sahibdip Saini ‘18, a Sikh, said. “Every house was lit with a candle and everyone rejoiced to celebrate the Guru and princes released.”

At this time, the Mughals were seen as enemies to Sikhs and Hindus due to their evil forced conversions to Islam. Sikhs joined Jains and Hindus with Diwali to celebrate this idea of “good over evil.”

For Diwali, people clean their homes and decorate them. In Hinduism, women form rangoli (flower) patterns on the floor using colored sand, flowers, and more. Fireworks, firecrackers, candles, and string lights are brought out to show celebration. Hindus visit mandirs (Hindu temples) and other places of worship.

Sikhs go the Gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship. It is common to exchange gifts and sweets with friends and family. People dress in their traditional clothing of their country. In India, women dress in sari while men dress in kamnez kurta.

At Hill, Diwali is not openly celebrated or recognized, however Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist students celebrate it independently.

“I definitely think Hill can bring more light to the amazing celebration,” Priyanka Dondetti ’19, a Hindu student said. “Last year Kushal Modi ’17 and I made a lunch announcement about Diwali — explaining what it is, and the origin of it.”

Last year, students were given the opportunity to go to a Diwali celebration on Princeton University’s campus.

“[Father Houghton] thought it would an awesome idea to bring it to Hill, and I completely agreed,” Dondetti said. “Diwali is such a beautiful and spiritual holiday and I wish I could show others how impactful it is.”

Diwali is a time for family to come together and celebrate a beautiful holiday unique to their religion and culture. We should bring more awareness to it at Hill and allow other students to experience it as well.